Climbing apparatus for pet training and fitness

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are various embodiments for a freestanding and portable climbing apparatus for pet training and exercise. A climbing apparatus includes a rectangular-shaped platform having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of corners. Posts having top ends are coupled to a respective one of the corners of the rectangular-shaped platform that raise the rectangular-shaped platform from a ground surface. A first ramp and a second ramp are coupled to ends of the rectangular-shaped platform. A first platform foot is coupled to bottom ends of the first post and the second post, and a second platform foot is coupled to bottom ends of the third post and the fourth post. Ramp sides are positioned along and protrude above a first side of the first ramp, a second side of the first ramp, a first side of the second ramp, and a second side of the second ramp.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/174,830, filed Jun. 12, 2015,entitled “FREESTANDING PORTABLE DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT,” and co-pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/218,025, filed Sep. 14, 2015,entitled “FREESTANDING PORTABLE DOG TRAINING EQUIPMENT,” the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

This application relates to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/557,651, filed Mar. 10, 2016, entitled “PET CLIMBING PLATFORM,”co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/557,656, filed Mar. 11,2016, entitled “PET CLIMBING APPARATUS,” and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/557,659, filed Mar. 10, 2016, entitled “PETHURDLES,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

Pets, such as dogs, cats, and other animals, require outdoor play,exercise, physical stimulation, and mental stimulation to be healthy.Animal parks and play areas contribute to the health and well-being of apet by facilitating an environment where pets can play, exercise, learn,and train off their leash. However, animal parks and play areas tend tolack the equipment necessary to enable improvement to a pets agility,balance, conditioning, and strength in its hindquarters, which isimportant for many pets, such as dogs, especially as they age, becomingsusceptible to arthritis and hip dysplasia. Moreover, maintaining strongmuscles in a pet's legs and hips helps maintain and even improve thepet's mobility. Most animal park and play area agility equipment offeredtoday are agility products that are not “intuitive” for a pet, meaning apet has to be coached or trained to utilize the products.

An additional problem with animal park and play area equipment is thatit may require holes to be dug or concrete to be poured into the groundin order to be installed, thereby destroying grass or other terrain andrequiring specialized skills and equipment for installation. Thus, thereis a need for animal park and play area equipment that facilitates thedevelopment of agility, balance, conditioning, and hindquarter strengthin pets, while also being used in a way that does not destroy theterrain. These features also allow the equipment to be portable innature, allowing a park department or other user to store the equipmentduring the winter or re-locate the equipment to a different area to givethe grass a break from all the animal park and play area traffic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a freestanding portable pet apparatusaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows example dimensions of the first embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus of FIG. 1 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a freestanding portable petapparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows example dimensions of the second embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus of FIG. 3 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5-7 show examples of a third embodiment of a freestanding portablepet apparatus according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of a freestanding portable petapparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows example dimensions of the first embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus of FIG. 8 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of providingthe freestanding portable pet apparatus to an end user according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, a general description of freestandingportable pet equipment for training and exercising animals and itscomponents is provided, followed by a discussion of various embodimentsof the same. While various embodiments described herein refer toapparatuses used in the training or exercising of dogs, the freestandingportable pet equipment is not so limited and can be used in training orexercising other animals, such as cats, horses, and other pets.

Embodiments of the disclosure include various apparatuses, methods, andmechanisms directed to freestanding portable pet training and exercisingequipment that can be used to create an environment where dogs and otherpets can improve and develop agility, balance, and body strength. Suchapparatuses, methods, and mechanisms can be employed in various ways toallow pets to play and train without the apparatuses destroying orpuncturing the terrain. Such apparatuses, methods, and mechanisms canalso be employed in various ways to allow for an easy assembly by an enduser and also makes the product portable if, for example, a user decidesto move equipment to differing locations for shade variance, turfmanagement, seasonal weather, or other reason. In addition, thedisclosed equipment is more intuitive for pets and designed to be moreplayful or play-related while offering improvements to balance,stability, strength, and agility conditioning. The features of thedisclosed products have been designed to be easy for a pet, such as adog, to use and also more inviting by having low profiles and less stepangles and using materials that have more natural aesthetics.

With reference to FIG. 1, shown is a first embodiment of a freestandingportable pet apparatus 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. To provide exercise to a pet, such as a dog, thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 100 assumes the shape of a hill,thereby exercising muscles of a pet required to traverse an incline andnavigate a decline. In some embodiments, the freestanding portable petapparatus 100 can be symmetrical in shape.

In the example of FIG. 1, the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100includes a first ramp 103 a and a second ramp 103 b (collectively “ramps103”) directly coupled at a coupling point 106, which can be located ata peak of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100. In someembodiments, the first ramp 103 a and the second ramp 103 b assume anapproximate incline and decline of or between 20° to 35°, respectively;however, in alternative embodiments, each ramp 103 can assume a lower orhigher degree of incline as suited. The first ramp 103 a and the secondramp 103 b can include ramp sides 109 a . . . 109 c (collectively “rampsides 109”) which protrude from a surface 112 of a respective one of theramps 103 to provide a safety rail. In some embodiments, the ramp sides109 can be trapezoidal-shaped, whereby the ends are cut or otherwiseshaped at 90° angles to allow an end of the ramp side 109 a to mountflush with an opposing end of the ramp side 109 c at the coupling point106.

Further, the first ramp 103 a and the second ramp 103 b can includesupports 115 that protrude from the surface 112 of a respective one ofthe ramps 103, thereby providing paw or hoof support for a pet as itnavigates the ramps 103. For example, the supports 115 may protrude aninch (or other suitable dimension) from the surface 112 of a respectiveone of the ramps 103. In some embodiments, the supports 115 span a widthof the surface 112 of a respective ones of the ramps 103 such that theyare coupled to the ramp sides 109.

Beyond coupling at the coupling point 106, the first ramp 103 a and thesecond ramp 103 b can be further coupled via coupling members 118 a and118 b (collectively “coupling members 118”) extending horizontallybetween the ramps 103. Like the ramp sides 109, the coupling members 118can assume a trapezoidal shape, having ends cut or otherwise shaped at asuitable angle to mount flush with a bottom of the first ramp 103 a andthe second ramp 103 while being parallel to the ground, as illustratedin FIG. 1. As can be appreciated, the coupling members 118 providefurther support as weight is applied to one of the ramp sides 109 orwhen the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100 is moved and relocated.

Bottom ends of the ramp sides 109 (opposite to that of the couplingpoint 106) can be coupled to ramp feet 121 a and 121 b (collectively“ramp feet 121”). As some embodiments described herein include the rampsides 109 assuming a trapezoidal shape, a top surface of the ramp feet121 can assume a same or similar angle as a bottom end of the ramp sides109 such that the bottom end of the ramp sides 109 mates flush with thetop surface of the ramp feet 121. The ramp feet 121 can include a widthwider to that of the ramp sides 109 to provide additional support andbalance to the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100. Additionally, afront 124 of the ramp feet 121 can assume an angle the same as orsimilar to that of the ramp sides 109, for example, to prevent a petfrom stumbling on the ramp feet 121.

Moving on to FIG. 2, example dimensions of the embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 are shown according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,individual ones of the supports 115 can include a block with dimensionsof approximately a height of one inch, a width of one inch, and a lengthof 34.5 inches. As can be appreciated, the supports 115 can assist pets,such as dogs, when ascending and descending on the ramps withoutsliding. In some embodiments, the surface 112 of the ramps 103 includewooden or plastic boards. To this end, in some embodiments, the boardscan include dimensions of approximately a height of one inch, a width of6 inches, and a length of 34.5 inches. In other embodiments, the boardscan have a width of approximately 4 inches, 5.5 inches, or othersuitable width.

The freestanding portable pet apparatus 100 can assume a height to widthratio that provides suitable stability without requiring affixation tothe terrain using any concrete footers or other affixing mechanism. Inone example, a height of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100 is37 inches and a length of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 100 is7 feet and 2 inches (an approximate height to length ratio of 0.43),while the first ramp 103 a and the second ramp 103 b have a length ofapproximately 4 feet and 8 inches. The dimensions of the ramp feet 121can include a height of 2 inches, a width of 10 inches, and a length of44 inches. The coupling members 118 and the ramp sides 109 can beconstructed from one inch by 6 inch boards or other material. In someembodiments, length of the ramps 103 can be 4 feet and 8 inches. Thesurface 112 of the ramps 103 can include multiple boards coupledtogether where each board has a height of one inch, a width of 6 inches,and a length of 34.5 inches. It should be noted that the dimensionsdescribed in FIG. 2 are merely for example purposes, and that thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 100 can assume other dimensions, assuited.

Moving on to FIG. 3, shown is a second embodiment of a freestandingportable pet apparatus 200. In FIG. 3, the freestanding portable petapparatus 100 is shown as having a first ramp 203 a and a second ramp203 b (collectively “ramps 203”), with a platform 206 positioned betweenthe first ramp 203 a and the second ramp 203 b, thereby forming a bridgeor similar structure. In some embodiments, the freestanding portable petapparatus 200 can be symmetrical in shape.

The platform 206 can include a platform surface 209, platform sides 212a and 212 b (collectively “platform sides 212”), a platform front 215,and a platform back (not shown) at an opposite side of the platform 206from the platform front 215. The platform 206 can be supported by aplurality of posts 218 a . . . 218 d (collectively “posts 218”). In someembodiments, the platform 206 is supported by four posts 218, althoughother suitable amount of posts 218 can be employed to provide loadbearing stability.

The posts 218 can be positioned in post anchors 221 a . . . 221 c(collectively “post anchors 221”) affixed to platform feet 224 a and 224b (collectively “platform feet 224”). In some embodiments, thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 200 can include two platform feet224 where two posts 218 are positioned in each of the platform feet 224.The platform feet 224 can include a width that provides additionalsupport and stability, as can be appreciated. In some embodiments, theposts 218 can be coupled directly to the platform feet 224 without usingthe post anchors 221.

The platform sides 212 can be configured to protrude beyond the platformsurface 209 to act as a safety rail, thereby deterring a pet traversingthe platform 206 from attempting to leave the platform surface 209 fromone of the platform sides 212. The top of the platform front 215 and theplatform back (not shown) can be flush with the platform surface 209.

The first ramp 203 a and the second ramp 203 b can assume an incline inthe range of 20° to 35°, respectively; however, in alternativeembodiments, each ramp 203 can assume a lower or higher degree ofincline or decline as suited. The first ramp 203 a and the second ramp203 b can include ramp sides 227 a . . . 227 d (collectively “ramp sides227”) which protrude from a ramp surface 230 of a respective one of theramps 203. In some embodiments, the ramp sides 227 can assume atrapezoidal shape where the ends are cut or otherwise shaped at 90°angles.

Bottom ends of the ramp sides 227 (opposite to that of the platform 206)can be coupled to ramp feet 233 a and 233 b (collectively “ramp feet233”). As some embodiments described herein include the ramp sides 227assuming a trapezoidal shape, a top surface of the ramp feet 233 canassume a same or similar angle as a bottom end of the ramp sides 227such that the bottom end of the ramp sides 227 mates flush with the topsurface of the ramp feet 233. The ramp feet 233 can include a widthwider to that of the ramp sides 227 to provide additional support andbalance to the freestanding portable pet apparatus 200. Additionally, afront 236 of the ramp feet 233 can assume an angle the same as orsimilar to that of the ramp sides 227, for example, to prevent a petfrom stumbling on the ramp feet 233. In some embodiments, a beam orother load bearing device (not shown), such as a 2×4, can be positionedon a bottom side of the ramp 203 parallel to and centered between theramp sides 227, while spanning a length of the ramp 203. This loadbearing device can provide additional support and stability for theramps 203, as can be appreciated.

Further, the first ramp 203 a and the second ramp 203 b can includesupports 235 that protrude from the ramp surface 230 of a respective oneof the ramps 203, thereby providing paw or hoof support for a pet as itnavigates the ramps 203. In some embodiments, the supports 235 assume awidth of the surface 112 of a respective ones of the ramps 203 such thatthey can be coupled to the ramp sides 227.

In various embodiments, some or all of the components of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 200 described above can beconstructed of recycled plastic, such as high-density polyethylene. Inother embodiments, the components can be constructed of naturalweather-resistant cedar or pressure-treated lumber. To this end, invarious embodiments, the freestanding portable pet apparatus 200 can bepositioned on a terrain without the use of concrete footers or any otherpermanent affixing mechanism, while remaining stable enough to withstanda load and movement of a pet without the apparatus moving or topplingover.

Moving on to FIG. 4, example dimensions of the embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 200 of FIG. 3 are shown according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,individual ones of the posts 218 can be 4 inches×4 inches. The platformsides 212 can have a width of approximately one inch, a height ofapproximately six inches, and a length of approximately 48.24 inches.The platform sides 212 can be situated in association with the platformsurface 209 to create a safety rail of approximately 1.5 inches. Theplatform surface 209 can have a width of 46.5 inches and a length of48.25 inches. The platform surface 209 can be made of a plurality ofplanks having a height of one inch, a width of 6 inches, and a length of46.5 inches. The platform front 215 and the platform back (not shown)can have a width of one inch, a height of 6 inches, and a length of 48.5inches.

The supports 235 can have a height of one inch, a width of one inch, anda length of 34.5 inches. The ramp sides 227 can have a width of oneinch, a height of 6 inches, and a length of 4 feet and 8 inches. Theramp sides 227 can be positioned in association with the ramp surface230 such that a 1.5 inch safety rail is formed on the ramp 203. The rampfeet 233 can have a height of 2 inches, a width of 10 inches, and alength of 44 inches. In addition, the front 236 of the ramp feet 233 canhave a slope or incline substantially similar to a corresponding one ofthe ramps 203. In some embodiments, the ramps 203 can have a 30°incline. The ramp surface 230 can be made up of a plurality of plankshaving a width of 6 inches, a height of one inch, and a length of 33.5inches. An overall length of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 200can be 12 feet. It should be noted that the dimensions described in FIG.4 are merely for example purposes, and that the freestanding portablepet apparatus 200 can assume other dimensions, as suited.

Moving on to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of a freestanding portable petapparatus 300 is shown. In FIG. 5, the freestanding portable petapparatus 300 forms a hurdle, allowing a pet, such as a dog, to obtainphysical activity by jumping over the hurdle. To this end, thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 300 can include a first hurdle base303 a and a second hurdle base 303 b (collectively “hurdle bases 303”).In some embodiments, a lower portion 306 of the hurdle bases 303 arerectangular in shape whereas an upper portion 309 of the hurdle bases303 are triangular, trapezoidal, or rhombular (resembling a rhombus) inshape. In embodiments where the upper portion 309 of the hurdle bases303 are rhombular, the top of the rhombular shape in the upper portion309 can include a flat portion 312 located a top of the hurdle bases303, as shown in FIG. 5.

A first hurdle post 315 a can be coupled to directly an interior of thefirst hurdle base 303 a while a second hurdle post 315 b can be coupleddirectly to an interior of the second hurdle base 303 b. In someembodiments, a width of the hurdle posts 315 can be substantiallysimilar to a width to the flat portion 312 of the hurdle base 303. Oneor more boards 318 a and 318 b (collectively boards 318) can be coupledto the hurdle posts 315 while retaining an exposed lower portion 321 ofthe hurdle posts 315. In some embodiments, the boards 318 can bepositioned to protrude above a top of the hurdle posts 315, while, inother embodiments, the boards 318 can be positioned to be flush with atop of the hurdle posts 315.

Further, the hurdle posts 315 can be positioned at a distal end of theboards 318 such that a side of the hurdle posts 315 and the boards 318are flush with an interior side of the hurdle base 303. In someembodiments, a height of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300having two boards 318 can include approximately 12 inches, or othersuitable height, while a width of the freestanding portable petapparatus 300 is approximately 39 inches (e.g., height to width ratio ofapproximately 0.31).

Another embodiment of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300 havingthree boards 318 a . . . 318 c is shown in FIG. 6. In this example, aheight of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300 having threeboards 318 can include approximately 18 inches, or other suitableheight, while a width of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300 isapproximately 39 inches (e.g., height to width ratio of approximately0.46). In FIG. 7, another embodiment of the freestanding portable petapparatus 300 having four boards 318 a . . . 318 d is shown. In thisexample, a height of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300 havingfour boards 318 can include approximately 24 inches, or other suitableheight, while a width of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 300 isapproximately 39 inches (e.g., height to width ratio of approximately0.62). In some embodiments, a gap of approximately three to four inches,or other suitable dimension, is provided between a bottom of the boards318 and the ground. In various embodiments, the freestanding portablepet apparatuses 300 of FIGS. 5-7 can be aligned in an order ofincreasing height or decreasing height, although other arrangements canbe employed.

Moving on to FIG. 8, shown is a fourth embodiment of a freestandingportable pet apparatus 400. In FIG. 8, the freestanding portable petapparatus 400 can include a balance beam 403 for pets to navigate fortraining, exercise, or other physical activity. The balance beam 403 canbe supported by a first beam base 406 a and a second beam base 406 b(collectively “beam bases 406”). The freestanding portable pet apparatus400 can be symmetrical in some embodiments. The beam bases 406 caninclude, for example, a first step 409 a and 409 b, a second step 412 aand 412 b, and a horizontal support 415 a and 415 b perpendicular to aposition of the balance beam 403. The first steps 409 can include anelongated structure disposed below the second steps 412, while thesecond steps 412 are disposed below the balance beam 403.

Similar to the hurdle base 303 described above with respect to FIG. 5,the horizontal supports 415 can be described as having a lower region418 and an upper region 421. The lower region 418 can be substantiallyrectangular in shape while the upper region can be trapezoidal orrhombular in shape. As shown in FIG. 8, a top flat portion of the upperregions 421 of the horizontal supports 415 can assume a widthsubstantially similar to that of the balance beam 403, while the upperregion 421 and the lower region 418 extend outwards from the top flatportion, creating additional support and stability for the balance beam403.

In some embodiments, the freestanding portable pet apparatus 400 caninclude a tie post 424 which couples the first step 409, the second step412, the balance beam 403, and the horizontal support 415. In someembodiments, the tie post 424 is a height substantially similar to thatof a top of the balance beam 403 such that the tie post 424 is flushwith a top of the balance beam 403. Additionally, the tie post 424 canbe positioned at an interior distal end of the beam base 406 to mountflush with a corner generated by the horizontal support 415.

Moving on to FIG. 9, example dimensions of the embodiment of thefreestanding portable pet apparatus 400 of FIG. 8 are shown according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, thebalance beam 403 can have a width of 6 inches, a height of 6 inches, anda length of 10 feet. The first step 409 can have a width of 6 inches, aheight of 6 inches, and a length of 6 feet. Disposed on the first step409, the second step 412 can have a width of 6 inches, a height of 6inches, and a length of 5 feet. When the first step 409 and the secondstep 412 are coupled at an interior distal end to the horizontal support415, two two-foot steps are formed, with a third step being the balancebeam 403. The tie post 424 can include a width of 2 inches, a height of18 inches (or other height substantially similar to the overall heightof the freestanding portable pet apparatus 400), and a length of 12inches. The horizontal supports can include a width of 2 inches, aheight of 12 inches, and a length of 36 inches. A top of the horizontalsupports 415 can be substantially similar to a width of the balance beam403. It should be noted that the dimensions described in FIG. 9 aremerely for example purposes, and that the freestanding portable petapparatus 400 can assume other dimensions, as suited.

In various embodiments, the components of the freestanding portable petapparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400 described herein can be constructedof recycled plastic, such as high-density polyethylene. In otherembodiments, the components can be constructed of naturalweather-resistant cedar or pressure-treated lumber. To this end, invarious embodiments, the freestanding portable pet apparatuses 100, 200,300, and 400 can be positioned on a terrain without the use of concretefooters or any other permanent affixing mechanism, while remainingstable enough to withstand a load and movement of a pet without theapparatus moving or toppling over.

Recycled plastic can include, for example, high-density polyethylene oranother suitable material capable of bearing loads of one or moreanimals (plus a safety factor). The recycled plastic may also includefiberglass elements to reinforce the high density polyethylene. Therecycled plastic can be treated by an extrusion process, which causesthe recycled plastic to become textured and more-easily gripped.Therefore, pets can be able to move easier on the textured recycledplastic of the freestanding portable pet apparatus 200.

According to various embodiments, the recycled plastic can includeultraviolet additives to prevent deterioration when the recycled plasticis exposed to ultraviolet light. The recycled plastic can include arot-resistant material and a splinter-free material. The recycledplastic can be resistant to marine borers, termites, fungus, salt andoils. The recycled plastic can also absorb up to approximately 6%moisture by weight. The recycled plastic can include a static drycoefficient of friction in the range of 0.3-0.6, a static wetcoefficient of friction in the range of 0.3-0.6, a sliding drycoefficient of friction in the range of 0.2-0.3, and/or a sliding wetcoefficient of friction in the range of 0.4-0.6.

As previously discussed, the various components described herein caninclude for example, boards or blocks made of cedar wood or another typeof pressure-treated lumber. Cedar wood can be employed and particularlyeffective because of dogs' preference of its natural smell. A stain canbe employed on the natural wood as cedar wood contains UV inhibitors,which can help preserve the wood and stain colorant. For example, thestain can include a 100% acrylic formula.

The components described herein can be coupled using glue, nails,screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms.To increase portability of the various apparatuses described herein, insome embodiments, screws are used to facilitate coupling and decouplingvarious components.

With reference to FIG. 10, shown is a flowchart 500 illustrating oneexample of a method of providing the freestanding portable petapparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400 to an end user according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Beginning with box 503, an orderis received for at least one of the freestanding portable petapparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400. The order can include a customizedselection of the freestanding portable pet apparatuses 100, 200, 300,and 400. For example, the order may specify certain colors, designs, orexamples. The order can be received for example, through an electroniccommerce website, over the phone, or through any other suitable means.Next, in box 506, the individual pieces and components of thefreestanding portable pet apparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400 that wereordered are packaged into a relatively flat rectangular package to besent to a user. The individual pieces can be assembled by a user withoutdamaging a terrain that in which any piece of the freestanding portablepet apparatuses 100, 200, 300, and 400 comes into contact. For example,the user may use bolts to affix individual pieces together. Finally, atbox 509, the package is sent to the user for assembly. The user can befor example, a retail consumer, a distributor, or a commercial end-user.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

Clause 1: A freestanding and portable pet apparatus for exercising ortraining pets, comprising: a first ramp coupled to a second ramp at acoupling point forming a symmetrical structure, wherein the first rampand the second ramp have a same angle of incline; and a plurality ofconnecting members horizontally disposed between the first ramp and thesecond ramp.

Clause 2: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 1,wherein the first ramp, the second ramp, or the plurality of connectingmembers comprise recycled plastic, high-density polyethylene, naturalwood, cedar, or a combination thereof.

Clause 3: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 1,wherein the first ramp and the second ramp comprise a plurality ofsupports projecting from a surface of the first ramp and the second rampto facilitate walking on the first ramp and the second ramp.

Clause 4: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 1,further comprising a first ramp foot coupled to the first ramp and asecond ramp foot coupled to the second ramp, the first ramp foot beingwider than the first ramp and comprising a front having an inclinesubstantially similar to the first ramp, the second ramp foot beingwider than the second ramp and comprising a front having an inclinesubstantially similar to the second ramp.

Clause 5: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 1,wherein the first ramp comprises a plurality of first ramp sidessubstantially trapezoidal in shape, and the second ramp comprises aplurality of second ramp sides substantially trapezoidal in shape, theplurality of first ramp sides projecting above a surface of the firstramp to form a plurality of first safety rails and the plurality ofsecond ramp sides projecting above a surface of the second ramp to forma plurality of second safety rails.

Clause 6: A freestanding and portable pet apparatus for exercising ortraining pets, comprising: a platform disposed between a first ramp anda second ramp, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp have a sameangle of incline; a plurality of posts coupled to a bottom of theplatform being configured to support the platform; and wherein the firstramp and the second ramp comprise a plurality of supports projectingfrom a surface of the first ramp and the second ramp to facilitatewalking on the first ramp and the second ramp.

Clause 7: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 6,further comprising a plurality of platform feet coupled to the pluralityof posts.

Clause 8: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 7,wherein the first ramp, the second ramp, the platform, the plurality ofposts, or the plurality of feet comprise recycled plastic, high-densitypolyethylene, natural wood, cedar, or a combination thereof.

Clause 9: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 6,wherein the first ramp comprises a plurality of first ramp sidessubstantially trapezoidal in shape, and the second ramp comprises aplurality of second ramp sides substantially trapezoidal in shape, theplurality of first ramp sides projecting above a surface of the firstramp to form a plurality of first safety rails and the plurality ofsecond ramp sides projecting above a surface of the second ramp to forma plurality of second safety rails.

Clause 10: A freestanding and portable pet apparatus for exercising ortraining pets, comprising: a plurality of hurdle posts disposed betweena first hurdle base and a second hurdle base; at least one board coupledto the plurality of hurdle posts at each distal end of the at least oneboard; and wherein a lower portion of each of the first hurdle base issubstantially rectangular in shape; and wherein an upper portion of eachof the second hurdle base is substantially rhombular in shape.

Clause 11: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board is coupled to the plurality of hurdleposts such that a space of approximately three to four inches isprovided between a bottom of the at least one board and a surface onwhich the freestanding and portable pet apparatus rests.

Clause 12: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board is coupled to the plurality of hurdleposts such that an exposed lower portion of the hurdle posts is visible.

Clause 13: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board is coupled to the plurality of hurdleposts such that a top of the at least one board protrudes above a top ofthe plurality of hurdle posts.

Clause 14: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the plurality of hurdle posts and the at least one boardcomprise recycled plastic, high-density polyethylene, natural wood,cedar, or a combination thereof.

Clause 15: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board comprises two boards.

Clause 16: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board comprises three boards.

Clause 17: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 10,wherein the at least one board comprises four boards.

Clause 18: A freestanding and portable pet apparatus for exercising ortraining pets, comprising: a balance beam situated on a top of aplurality of horizontal supports, wherein the plurality of horizontalsupports are perpendicular to the balance beam; and a plurality of stepsdisposed below the balance beam coupled to the balance beam by at leastone tie post.

Clause 19: The freestanding and portable pet apparatus of clause 18,wherein the balance beam and the plurality of steps comprise recycledplastic, high-density polyethylene, natural wood, cedar, or acombination thereof.

Clause 20: A method of providing a freestanding and portable petapparatus comprising: receiving an order for the freestanding andportable pet apparatus, the order comprising a customized selection ofthe freestanding and portable pet apparatus; packaging individual piecesof the freestanding and portable pet apparatus into a flat package,whereby the individual pieces of the freestanding and portable petapparatus are configured to be assembled by a user without damaging aterrain; and shipping the flat package to the user.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus for exercising or training pets,comprising: a rectangular-shaped platform having a first end, a secondend, and a plurality of corners; a first post, a second post, a thirdpost, and a fourth post having top ends coupled to a respective one ofthe plurality of corners of the rectangular-shaped platform that raisethe rectangular-shaped platform from a ground surface; a first rampcoupled to the first end of the rectangular-shaped platform; a secondramp coupled to the second end of the rectangular-shaped platformopposite that of the first end, wherein the first ramp and the secondramp have a same or similar angle of incline; a first platform footcoupled to bottom ends of the first post and the second post; a secondplatform foot coupled to bottom ends of the third post and the fourthpost; a first ramp foot coupled to a bottom end of the first ramp thatraises the bottom end of the first ramp from the ground surface; and asecond ramp foot coupled to a bottom end of the second ramp that raisesthe bottom end of the second ramp from the ground surface, wherein thefirst ramp foot is wider than the first ramp and the second ramp foot iswider than the second ramp.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: theapparatus is symmetrical; and the apparatus is freestanding and portablesuch that the apparatus is operable without use of a permanent affixingmechanism.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a pluralityof supports projecting from a surface of at least the first ramp and thesecond ramp.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus isformed of at least one of: pressure-treated lumber; high-densitypolyethylene; and natural weather-resistant cedar.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein: the first platform foot is positioned perpendicularto a longitudinal axis of the rectangular-shaped platform; and thesecond platform foot is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the rectangular-shaped platform.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25,wherein: the first ramp foot is positioned perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the rectangular-shaped platform and parallel to atleast one of: the first platform foot and the second platform foot; andthe second ramp foot is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the rectangular-shaped platform and parallel to at least one of:the first platform foot and the second platform foot.
 27. The apparatusof claim 21, wherein: the first ramp foot has a width equal or similarto a width of the second ramp foot; and the first platform foot has awidth equal or similar to a width of the second platform foot.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein each of the first post, the second post,the third post, and the fourth post are 4 inches by 4 inches.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the rectangular-shaped platform has alength along the longitudinal axis of the triangular-shaped platform ofapproximately 4 feet.
 30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein theapparatus is formed using a plurality of recycled planks.
 31. A methodfor exercising or training pets, comprising: providing an apparatus,wherein the apparatus comprises: a rectangular-shaped platform having afirst end, a second end, and a plurality of corners; a first post, asecond post, a third post, and a fourth post having top ends coupled toa respective one of the plurality of corners of the rectangular-shapedplatform that raise the rectangular-shaped platform from a groundsurface; a first ramp coupled to the first end of the rectangular-shapedplatform; a second ramp coupled to the second end of therectangular-shaped platform opposite that of the first end, wherein thefirst ramp and the second ramp have a same or similar angle of incline;a first platform foot coupled to bottom ends of the first post and thesecond post; a second platform foot coupled to bottom ends of the thirdpost and the fourth post; a first ramp foot coupled to a bottom end ofthe first ramp that raises the bottom end of the first ramp from theground surface; and a second ramp foot coupled to a bottom end of thesecond ramp that raises the bottom end of the second ramp from theground surface, wherein the first ramp foot is wider than the first rampand the second ramp foot is wider than the second ramp.
 32. The methodof claim 31, further comprising: positioning the apparatus on a groundsurface without use of a permanent affixing mechanism; and exercising atleast one animal using the apparatus without use of the permanentaffixing mechanism.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein: the apparatusis symmetrical, freestanding, and portable; and the method furthercomprises positioning the apparatus on a ground surface without use of apermanent affixing mechanism.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein theapparatus as provided further comprises a plurality of supportsprojecting from a surface of at least the first ramp and the secondramp.
 35. The method of 31, wherein: the first platform foot ispositioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of therectangular-shaped platform; the second platform foot is positionedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rectangular-shapedplatform; the first ramp foot is positioned perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the rectangular-shaped platform and parallel to atleast one of: the first platform foot and the second platform foot; andthe second ramp foot is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the rectangular-shaped platform and parallel to at least one of:the first platform foot and the second platform foot.
 36. The method ofclaim 31, wherein: the first ramp foot has a width equal or similar to awidth of the second ramp foot; and the first platform foot has a widthequal or similar to a width of the second platform foot.
 37. The methodof claim 31, wherein each of the first post, the second post, the thirdpost, and the fourth post are 4 inches by 4 inches.
 38. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the rectangular-shaped platform has a length along thelongitudinal axis of the triangular-shaped platform of approximately 4feet.
 39. The method of claim 31, wherein the apparatus is formed usinga plurality of recycled planks.
 40. The method of claim 39, whereinproviding the apparatus further comprises manufacturing the apparatususing the plurality of recycled planks.